Hi,
Yesterday I got a foster cat from the humane society, she had just been removed from her kitten and was still lactating. Today they got a call about 3 kittens (3-4weeks) that were orphaned and right now we are tying to graft these babies on to the mama. I have heard about cats doing this, that they have a good maternal side, but never done anything first-hand. I really have more experience with dogs and am a little concerned about these babies. I have formula, but would really like to have the mother accept them.
She wasn't aggressive towards them, even started to respond to the cries but I haven't seen them nurse. I tried to stimulate her and put the nipple in the kittens mouth but it didn't work. Is there anything I could be doing to make sure they nurse or encourage them to do so?
Also at what point, (hours) should I give up on mom and bottle feed them?
Thanks a million!!
Yesterday I got a foster cat from the humane society, she had just been removed from her kitten and was still lactating. Today they got a call about 3 kittens (3-4weeks) that were orphaned and right now we are tying to graft these babies on to the mama. I have heard about cats doing this, that they have a good maternal side, but never done anything first-hand. I really have more experience with dogs and am a little concerned about these babies. I have formula, but would really like to have the mother accept them.
She wasn't aggressive towards them, even started to respond to the cries but I haven't seen them nurse. I tried to stimulate her and put the nipple in the kittens mouth but it didn't work. Is there anything I could be doing to make sure they nurse or encourage them to do so?
Also at what point, (hours) should I give up on mom and bottle feed them?
Thanks a million!!